Richard Bangs and Orbitz: Bringing Travel to Life

Richard Bangs has been called the father of modern adventure travel—and with good reason. His storied career has spanned continents, earning multiple awards as a travel writer and renowned travel television personality. His journeys capture untold adventures, bringing the furthest reaches of the globe to life. Powered by Orbitz, Richard Bangs continues to explore the unexplored and reach dazzling new heights of adventure travel.

Adventure travel

Featured Destinations

California

Mazes of deserts, mountains and slot canyons mark the land around Joshua Tree National Park, an arid escape for rock climbers of the West Coast. Further north, the San Joaquin River Valley, Muir Woods and the Redwood National Park means adventure tours, hiking, biking and spectacular views.

Colorado

Telluride. Breckenridge. Vail. Aspen. The powder is unparalleled in these Colorado winter wonderlands. And during the summer months, when the slopes aren't primed for apres ski, the rafting and endless miles of hiking keep your appetite for adventure tours whetted.

Belize

Teeming with jungles, caves and Mayan ruins, the region of Cayo is like something out of an Indiana Jones flick. Zip lines criss-cross the jungle, which usually come paired with a rugged trek to first base. Sport fishing off this coastal nation is the stuff adventure travel is made of, and stands up to even the most seasoned fishermen.

Costa Rica

With more rivers per square kilometer than just about anywhere in the world, Costa Rica shines in aquatic brands of wilderness and adventure travel. Surf, fishing and rafting get the adrenaline going, and for adventure tours of the animal persuasion, Tortugero beach is rife with sea life.

New Zealand

The cinematic cragginess of this kiwi nation draws adventurers in droves. Primeval volcanoes and geysers near Rotorua wait to be discovered, and heli-hiking at Fox Glacier is unmatched in wilderness travel. For the braver thrill-junkies, shark cage diving at Kaikoura rounds out adventure trips to NZ.

National Parks

Built on a primal collection of geysers and hot springs, the first-ever national park at Yellowstone is a force of nature and a staple for adventure vacations and tours. From this untamed land reserve, a legacy of protected parks grew to include the massive chasm at the Grand Canyon, the swampy Everglades and the Hawaii volcanoes. Swim, climb, hike and test your boundaries on the path to adventure.

Richard Bangs’ Quest Series

Richard Bangs’ Quest Series: South America

Together with Richard Bangs and LAN Airlines, Orbitz brings you “South America: Quest for Wonder.” In this groundbreaking integration of public television and the web, series viewers visit cultural landmarks served by LAN Airlines, and are then able to replicate those travel adventures through activities, packages and accommodations available on Orbitz.com.

Orbitz Originals: New York State

Joining with Empire State Development, Orbitz brings you the seven-part “Orbitz Originals: New York State” series. Highlighting the extraordinary Catskills and Adirondacks regions, Richard Bangs explores a specific theme in each destination, inspiring viewers with a trip template they can replicate on Orbitz.com.

Orbitz Originals: Vermont

From green to white—Vermont’s colors change with the seasons but the state’s scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, memorable hotels and artisanal heritage are yours for the taking in both the summer and winter months.

Orbitz Originals: The Different Cancun

Beachside piña coladas are only a small serving of what Cancun has to offer. Explore a different side of Cancun in this Orbitz Originals video series, led by travel extraordinaire Richard Bangs. Meet the locals, dive underwater and swing through the rainforest, as Richard uncovers the hidden treasures of this Caribbean town.

Orbitz Originals: Authentic Florida

Let Orbitz and travel guru Richard Bangs introduce you to a Florida you might not know. Away from the crowds and theme parks is an old-world place that oozes Southern charm. The nine-part “Orbitz Originals: Authentic Florida” series takes you on a tour of the Bradenton area, where the beaches are bone white, the water aquamarine blue and the seafood practically swims to your plate.